Not many cat owners have the luxury of being able to keep their cats under watch all the time. There are a number of steps that cat owners can take to help ensure cats are safe around the home when cat owners are not there.
Follow these five tips to help keep your cat safe:
One person’s trash
Dogs and cats alike seem to love the smell, taste and texture of trash, and they will go out of their way to play in that arena while you’re away. The problem is many things in our trash that may seem benign to us can be dangerous to cats, including chicken bones, which are choking hazards because of their brittle nature. Take all the trash outside when you leave for any length of time, or place trashcans out of your cat’s reach.
Do sweat the small stuff
Remove small toys, string and other choking hazards such as rubber bands from your cat’s area in your home. They may love these things like toys, but the risk of choking is high. Consider, too, if your cat’s toys are sized appropriately for him. A ball meant for a smaller animal can lodge within a larger one’s throat.
Eight lives and counting
Cats aren’t always as nimble footed
and self sufficient as legend has it. Check for places where they can become stuck, such as behind the refrigerator or in fireplace open- ings, and seal up those openings. Close all toilet lids before you leave the house. Finally, put away those toys you may enjoy with your fe- line friend that include strings. Left alone with one, your animal can quickly choke.
An idle mind is the devil’s work- shop
Cats enjoy their routines. And if you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, or if you’re going to be away at times of the day when you’re usually at home with your cat, consider hiring a professional cat sitter to help your cat stick to its schedule. It is reassuring to the cat and can help alleviate some of the mischievous explorings that often leads to disaster. A good cat sitter knows how to think like a cat and can quickly scan your cat’s environment for known dangers.
Before hiring a sitter for your cat, make sure the cat sitter is bonded and carries adequate liability insurance. Finding a cat sitter who is accredited through a national association like PSI is also a real plus. Be sure to make time for a face-to-face interview in your home with the sitter and your cats. Conducting an initial interview is an excellent time for you to check credentials and ask important questions.
Disaster and emergency planning can save the day
All cat owners should have a disaster plan and kit for each of their cats. According to Jennifer Miler of St. Petersburg, Florida, Cat Sitters International’s 2007 Cat Sitter of the YearTM, “Natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods, as well as unforeseen man-made disasters like chemical spills, can close off a residential area in short order. The key is to be prepared as best as you can and it only takes a small amount of preparation.”
You should be able to pass the “five-minute preparedness test,” meaning in five minutes or fewer, you should be able to get your cats and their emergency kit out of your home.
A Cat Disaster Kit Should Include:
- A copy of your Emergency Disaster Plan
- Cat first-aid kit and book
- Road maps and street guides
- Photocopies of medical records
- Recent photos of your cats
- Cat medication
- A separate carrier for each cat
- Cat feeding dishes
- Cat food – Be sure canned food has a pop-top
- Bottled water – a weekly supply for each cat
- Extra leashes, collars and harnesses
- Muzzles
- Gloves – heavy gloves and disposable rubber gloves
- Small or disposable litter boxes
- Kitty litter – scoopable is most convenient
- Disposable garbage bags
- Paper towels
- Liquid soap, disinfectant and bleach
- Blankets and towels
- Flashlight
- Portable radio
- Extra batteries
- Scissors
- Pocket knife
- Pillowcase or Evac Sack • Cat toys
- Cat treats
Article courtesy of Pet Sitters International
